Thanks to Instagram (and the people behind the pictures) we discovered the chocolate box town of Rye and the weird derelict beach land of Dungeness - we ate 'the best meal of our lives' (Landsgate Bistro) and were inspired to take pictures of doors and random shopfronts (those last two were mostly me).

Our weekend away started with finding our Rye-based Airbnb, a cosy one-up one-down with copper decor and a funky bedspread. We dumped our stuff and made the most of the late afternoon by stopping at the White House for a quick sausage roll & vino (the perfect combo). Feeling the effects, we walked around the streets admiring the tiny houses and 'Tiny Bookshop'.

Dinner that night was spent at The Landsgate Bistro, a few doors down from our airbnb and they squeezed us in last minute. We were glad they did, what-a-feast. I had scallop in ravioli starter (not the prettiest but DELICIOUS) whilst the man had pigeon breast lightly dusted in bread crumbs. For main I had venison on lentils and CHEESE gnocchi, very yum whilst Wes had pork belly with a side of potato cake (just the right amount of carbs).

Sunday was spent visiting what was originally 'the main attraction' of the weekend - the derelict but charming Dungeness. Next to an old power station, this stretch of shipwrecked covered beach is also filled with chalets that look like they belong in Scotland or parts of America. I think this is prime location for artists to end their days, you'd walk along to find mini galleries in sheds and sculptures in gardens.

I'm aware I should be sharing my wedding-planning breakdown here, but I have to say it's going swimmingly (queue disastrous event/supplier dropout). Early on I discovered the Bridebook app, which helps keep tabs on your guestlist/spending/suppliers - very useful. The geek in me hasn't been able to avoid creating a 'spending spreadsheet' though. Weddings require a hella lot of planning, starting with the invites...thankfully I happen to know a very good wedding stationery designer which helps (read: shameless plug).

Safe in the knowledge that wedding plans are under control, I've been sampling more Cheltenham delights. We started on a trip to the food festival, with it's pricey entrance fee, and massive queues - we made the smart decision to eat elsewhere - venturing to Grid Iron which is always good and probably a little bit underrated. The future bride in me went for the 'healthier' chicken burger (but couldn't say no to onion rings), whilst Wes had a massive American burger. Another gluttonous trip was to an oldy-but-a-goody - The Boston Tea Party for baked cheesecake (no self control when it comes to cake), before some more gluttonous behaviour in the form of purchasing Peonies (my favourites).

A more successful event for us was 'Montpellier Day', in, you've guessed it...Montpellier. Full of classic cars, food/craft stalls and even a fortune teller (!). With it's beautiful parks and Cotswold bunting decorating the streets, good ol' Cirencester is also worth a visit when the sun is out....